PLANS have been submitted to create 23 new homes on the site of a former nursery in North Yorkshire.

Orion Homes have put forward the scheme to build the new housing development in Ryther Road, Cawood, near Selby.

The land - which is close to the River Ouse - is currently covered by a series of large greenhouses which were used as nurseries, and a redundant pig sty, with access tracks around the site and a cemetery to the south west.

Developers said the proposed plans include “a mix of two, three and four bedroom properties with a maximum storey height of two storeys”, and would include access for vehicles and parking at each property.

North Yorkshire County Council’s Children and Young People’s Service has already responded to the plans with a required contribution to assist schools in the area.

In a letter to Orion Homes, development support officer Nicola Howells said the new homes would lead to “a shortfall of school places”, and a Section 106 levy would be sought to aid primary schools. That amount would be £78,177, but no extra funds would be needed for secondary schools in the area.

Peter Rowe, principal archaeologist for North Yorkshire County Council, said the development could go ahead, but not before an “archaeological mitigation recording is undertaken”, meaning investigation should take place during excavations for the foundations for the new houses.

North Yorkshire Police have also considered the plans and criticised the siting of all affordable housing in one corner of the development.

The force also recommended more lighting and clearly defined borders between homes and gardens to create a safe and secure development. A decision is expected on the plans in May.